This
new Adafruit shield makes it easy to use a 16x2 Character LCD.The
16x2 Character LCD is NOT, repeat, NOT, included
We
really like the range of LCDs we stock in the shop, such as our classicblue & whiteas well as the fancyRGB negativeandRGB positive.
Unfortunately, these LCDs do require quite a few digital pins, 6 to control the
LCD and then perhaps another 3 to control the RGB backlight for a total of 9
pins. That's half of the pins available on a classic Arduino!
With
this in mind, we wanted to make it easier for people to get these LCD into their
projects so we devised a shield that lets you controla
16x2 Character LCD, up to 3 backlight pins AND 5 keypad pins using only the two
I2C pins on the Arduino!The best part is you don't really lose
those two pins either, since you can stick i2c-based sensors, RTCs, etc and have
them share the I2C bus. This is a super slick way to add a display without all
the wiring hassle.
This
shield is perfect for when you want to build a stand-alone project with its own
user interface. The 4 directional buttons plus select button allows basic
control without having to attach a bulky computer.
The
shield is designed for 'classic' Arduinos such as the Uno, Duemilanove,
Diecimilla, etc. It will also work perfectly with Arduino Mega R3's. Earlier
Mega's have the I2C pins in a different location and will require you to solder
two wires from the I2C pins on the shield and plug them into the different I2C
locations at Digital 20 & 21. This shield will not fit easily on top of an
Arduino Ethernet because of the Ethernet jack height.You can use a set of stacking headers
to give the shield more 'lift' above the jack.
This
shield comes as a kit! Included is a high quality, USA-made PCB and all the
components (buttons, header etc).An
LCD is not included, you will need to order one of our fine 16x2 Character
LCDs- just pick up whichever style you like
the most (blue & white,RGB negativeorRGB positive).
This
kit has only been tested with the LCDs we sell and support, if you use another
we will not be able to guarantee it works and we will not be able to troubleshot
or support it!
At
this time, the library and shield can control the RGB backlight of our character
LCDs by turning each LED on or off. This means you can display the following
colors: Red, Yellow, Green, Teal, Blue, Violet, White and all off. There is no
support for PWM control of the backlight at this time, so if you need to have
more granular control of the RGB backlight to display a larger range of colors,
this shield can't do that (the I2C expander does not have PWM output).